Managing to Learn:
Developing Leadership and Structured Problem-Solving Skills

Hosted in partnership with Oakland University, this event is part of the
LEI Lean Transformation Community-Building and Workshop Series.

Through instruction, small-group discussion, and hands-on exercises, you’ll discover how the A3 methodology forms the core of lean leadership and management as a systematic approach to managing change, developing people’s capabilities, fostering collaboration and teamwork, and solving problems — all necessary to overcome today’s unprecedented business challenges.

During this workshop, you will learn by doing — by solving a real problem in your workplace using the A3 methodology. Guided by your coach, you’ll complete every step of the A3 process, from determining which problem to solve and analyzing its root cause to identifying and testing countermeasures. You’ll also practice the three fundamental roles of the A3 management process — Author/Owner, Observer, and Coach — which will introduce you to using the methodology to lead and manage and help you coach your direct reports to solve problems in their work processes using the process.

“The A3 engenders communication and dialogue in a manner that leads to good decisions, where the proposed countermeasures have a better chance of being effective because they are based on facts and data gathered at the place where the work is performed, from the people who perform it.”

— Jim Womack, Founder and Senior Advisor, Lean Enterprise Institute

Ultimately, this comprehensive workshop will help you improve your leadership capabilities by adopting this new way of thinking, leading, communicating, learning, getting things done, and developing an entire organization of problem solvers, where everyone you manage can remove obstacles that keep them from achieving their performance objectives.

Who will benefit?

• Leaders at any level who want to improve their leadership capabilities.
• Managers, supervisors, and executives who want to develop the structured problem-solving, hypothesis-testing, and fact-based decision-making skills of teams
• Continuous improvement or change management professionals involved in leading major change improvement initiatives
• HR professionals who wish to develop a curriculum and teach structured problem-solving and fact-based decision-making skills within their organization

What will I learn?

Upon completion, you will be able to:

• Recognize the various uses of the A3 process and understand how to use them: to lead, manage, mentor, and solve problems.
• Understand and participate in the A3 process from two perspectives: Author/Owner and Coach.
• Discover how each step of the A3 problem-solving process contributes to more effective, sustainable problem resolution.
• Realize why the A3 process provides a superior approach to general management, change management, skill and capability development, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration.

Get a head start or supplement your online learning. This ebook highlights and explains what you need to know about using this powerful lean practice to gain its most impactful benefits.

Group Discount

Register three or more attendees for the same workshop and save 12.5% off every registration. To receive a group discount, register as a group through the registration link and the discount will automatically apply.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your registration for in-person workshops four weeks before the course start date for a full refund. A cancellation occurring within four weeks of the workshop dates will be subject to a $350 fee. To cancel, please call LEI at (617) 871-2900 or email registrar@lean.org.